I am new to the forum and I am planning an EPM wedding in May of 2011. I cannot say how helpful and reassuring this thread has been! I am so stoked and excited, I just want to get married already! I have stayed at EPM with FI back in July of 2008 and we just loved it there. We were considering having a local, traditional wedding, but we decided to chuck it all and go back to EPM with a small group of about 20 people. It is so beautiful there and I cannot stress how VIP we felt during our stay. Where are you girls at in the planning process? Are you working on any projects right now? Any DIY brides out there?

I contacted Yamina and she told me that the Saturday we wanted is available! I'm very very excited! However, in her e-mail she said that the confirmation/booking number was required for her to hold the date for me. We are planning to have our wedding next August 2011, so I'm a little concerned because the prices for rooms next year are listed as full price. Does anyone have any good advice on how to get around this? (This year's August prices are 35% off the regular room rates, so I was hoping to get the same deals next year for me and my guests). How did you book your rooms in advance and for your guests?

Hmmm...I have no idea. My fiance and I went from traditional wedding in May 2011 to running off to Mexico after a short engagement! We are not planning a big wedding. It started out with us and 2 other couples (witnesses) and others have just hopped on board! Nothing like waiting till the last minute. Guess that's why I have to get married on a Thursday

As far as the prices...I would just try contacting a travel agent. I called several before I found a good deal. I happened upon a Facebook page of a TA today that seemed to have really good deals on Excellence resorts. Maybe you should give him a try?

I just got back from my honeymoon at this resort and it is absolutely gorgeous! We had a 2 story room with ocean and pool view. Highly recommend it! I donâ€™t think there was a room with a bad view but if you can do it, splurge and do the 2-story suite! It comes with your own personal pool on the second deck which is wonderful at night!

The grounds of this resort were beautiful. Our toughest decisions everyday was to go to the beach or the pool. The staff was amazing and the little perks you get are nice too.

Thanks for sharing ktrant! Good to hear that the service is still top par. I am getting so excited for our wedding and we still have a year left! I found out that the date that we originally wanted is not available so we are trying for June 11, 2011. I just want to get that date finalized so that we can get the ball rolling I have to say that Yamina's email response time can be a wee bit frustrating. But, I understand that she's a busy woman! Just curious, are you ladies putting together OOT bags?

Hey aeluzu, I'm still debating whether to put together OOT bags. I read on some other threads that it can be a hassle to bring things like beach towels down since they take up a lot of room. If I do decide to make OOT bags, I'll probably put sun screen, aloe, cortisone(for bug bites), bug spray, Advil and the like. I'm not sure yet if I want to do OOT bags AND guest favors or just one of the two. It does take Yamina some time to get back to me, but I guess that's just the way things are in Mexico...ppl seem to be more laid back than in the States. Hope this helps! Good luck getting your desired date!